Communications Minister Blanca Eekhout said the U.S. seeks to provoke a war between Colombia & Venezuela to disrupt the current process of economic & political unity by Venezuela & other independent govts. 1,000s marched against US-Colombia military deal.

To regain control of its "backyard," the U.S. is increasingly intervening in Latin America: U.S. support for the recent military coup in Honduras, destabilisation of Bolivia, Venezuela, Ecuador & Paraguay, & a massive U.S. military build up in the region.

Despite the supposed withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, more than 130,000 US soldiers remain -- similar to the size of the US contingent when the invasion began in 2003. Torture is routine in government detention centres. Get U.S. troops out of Iraq now!!!

Official U.S. documents say a new deal with Colombia will allow the U.S. to fight "anti-US governments" in South America. Chavez responded: "Don't make the mistake, President Obama, of ordering an overt aggression against Venezuela utilizing Colombia."